NPDES Electronic Filing Through NetDMR

The E-Reporting Rule requires all NDPDES information to be shared with the EPA electronically and that all permittees submit permit information to the state electronically (e.g., general permit applications, DMRs, annual reports, etc.). These requirements will be phased in over a five-year period by implementing two phases. The E-Reporting Rule was published in the code Federal Register on October 22, 2015.

Phase I will require all basic permit information, all basic facility information, and all DMRs to be submitted to the EPA electronically. Phase I will require all permittees that must submit DMRs to the state to do electronically. Phase I is to be implemented no later than December 21, 2016. Any facilities that submit Sewage Sludge/Biosolids annual reports to the EPA must also do so electronically.

Phase II is to be implemented no later than December 21, 2020. The department will be required to electronically collect, manage, and share with the EPA all remaining NPDES data. This data includes general permit reports (Applications/NOIs, NOTs, No Exposure Certifications) and other NPDES sub-program reports.

A copy of the published Final Rule may be obtained from EPA's website.

• Create a NetDMR account: The Signatory Authority, i.e. Cognizant or Responsible Officials (whoever is authorized to sign the DMRs), must be the first to create a NetDMR account for a facility. Log in to NetDMR. Go to the “Arkansas” instance of NetDMR. Click on the “register for a new account” link. Fill in all of the information. Enter “Permittee” for the “Type of User” (If you are a “Data Provider,” you cannot be approved as a “Signatory”).
• Security Questions: When creating an account, you will be asked to set up five security questions and answers (they are case sensitive). You will need to remember your security questions and answers to submit DMRs and reset your NetDMR password. When everything looks good, click “Verify.” NetDMR will send you a confirmation email. Open your email and click on the link that takes you to a page to complete your NetDMR account creation. Answer a security question and create a password. The password must be updated every 90 days.
• Request Access: After your account is established, click “Request Access” for your specific permit or permits. The first person requesting user access must be the “Signatory” for the permit. DEQ must have documentation on file establishing this person as a “Responsible Official” or a “Cognizant Official.” Such documentation would be a copy of the letter from DEQ that approves the complete application/NOI, Change of Authorization, or Permit Transfer.
• Subscriber Agreement: When requesting “Signatory” access, you will be required to complete the “Additional Information Required” section where you describe your relationship to the facility and your level of authority. Click “Submit” when you are finished. Click the “Print Subscriber Agreement” button to print the Subscriber Agreement.
• Mail Subscriber Agreement: The signatory must sign and mail (not fax or email) the original Subscriber Agreement to DEQ for approval. All signatures must be original signatures (wet-ink) for subscriber agreements submitted to DEQ. The address will be on the Subscriber Agreement. Keep a copy for your records.
• DEQ Confirms Approval: Once DEQ has received and verified your Subscriber Agreement, you will be notified that you are approved to submit DMRs through NetDMR electronically.